Fatal Tide - Iris Johansen [60]
“How do you know? We don't have a photo yet.”
“Cox.”
“What?”
“Carolyn said that name on the phone. I think she was trying to help me identify Archer. She was a big fan of late-night TV and classic sitcoms. She even had tapes of her favorite shows that never went into reruns. We used to stay up until all hours eating popcorn and talking and watching Nick at Nite.”
“And?”
“She had a tape of a show called Mr. Peepers with Wally Cox. He played the quintessential meek, scrawny, milquetoast character. Archer looks like Wally Cox.”
“Milquetoast doesn't jibe with Archer's reputation.”
“But an appearance of weakness might have fueled that sadistic streak. When we get the photo, I'll bet it looks like Wally Cox.”
“No bet. It makes sense.” He got to his feet. “We're not waiting any longer on your lieutenant. You need a hot shower and a change of clothes. He can just come to the Trina if he has any more questions.”
She nodded. “Right after I go check Pete and Susie. The lieutenant said they were okay, but I need to see for myself.”
“I knew you'd be concerned, so I sent Terry and Karl to the tank to stand guard. Nothing is going to—” He stopped. “I'm wasting my breath. Come on. We'll see your lieutenant and then go to the tank.”
Susie clicked excitedly the minute she saw Melis. It was as if she was trying to tell her what had happened. Pete was silent, but his tail switched nervously as he swam around the tank.
“See, I told you they were fine,” Kelby said. “Maybe a little upset, but what else can you expect?”
“Yes, they're fine,” she said softly. “More than fine.”
“They really saved Cal's life?”
“No doubt about it. He was unconscious when the medics went into the tank after him. It's not that unusual. There are stories through history about dolphins saving swimmers.” She called softly to the dolphins, “You did good, guys. I'm proud of you.”
Pete suddenly rose to the surface in a high jump that splashed water out of the tank.
“Is that a reply?” Kelby asked.
“It could be.” She nodded. “Yes, I think he's proud of himself too.”
“Then can we go back to the Trina? You haven't stopped shaking since we left the warehouse.”
She didn't want to go. Danger had come too close. She had lost Gary and had come close to losing Cal. She couldn't stand the thought of losing the dolphins.
“Archer's not about to come back tonight,” Kelby said. “Besides the guards I put on the dolphins, the entire dock is crawling with police. He'd be nuts to come back.”
“He is nuts. You saw what he did to Carolyn.” She waved her hand as he opened his mouth. “I know. I know. There's a difference. I don't believe he'd come back tonight either.” She turned and started up the pier. “We'll go back to the ship.”
Kelby was sitting in a chair in her cabin when she came out of the shower. “Feel better?”
“Warmer. Cleaner. Not better.” She sat down on the bed and started towel-drying her hair. “I didn't expect this to happen. I thought I'd fooled him. I thought he'd wait until I gave in and turned the research over to him.”
“Maybe he got impatient.”
“I made a mistake. I shouldn't have taken for granted that he was predictable. Maybe Gary would be alive if we'd been more careful.”
“Your Carolyn would say that you're coming pretty close to blaming yourself. She wouldn't like it.”
“No, she wouldn't. She'd hate it.” She tried to smile. “You seem to know how Carolyn would react better than I do.”
“I'm getting to know you. And she's a big part of you.”
“I guess you're right. Okay, no blame.” She tossed the towel aside. “But I'm not staying around here and running any more risks. The dolphins are sitting ducks in that tank. Archer could have killed them after he got rid of Manuel and Cal. I don't care if the ship is fully outfitted or not. I have to go to the police station and give the lieutenant a statement tomorrow morning, but after that we leave Las Palmas. We have to find Marinth fast and then go after Archer. He's getting too close.”
He nodded. “I'm not arguing.